Advice

It depends on the type and cause of your pain.

When Stretching Helps

• For muscle tension or poor posture, gentle stretching can relieve stiffness and improve flexibility.
• For chronic pain or recovery from minor injuries, targeted stretches like child’s pose or lumbar rotation are beneficial.

When to Avoid Stretching

If pain is sharp, shooting, or linked to a herniated disc or nerve compression, stretching could worsen the issue.

Stretching should never cause more pain, only gentle discomfort.

Guidelines

• Always warm up first.
• Don’t bounce or force a stretch.
• Hold stretches for 20 – 30 seconds, and never push through sharp pain.

Stretching can be helpful if done gently and appropriately, but sharp or radiating pain is a sign to stop and consult a professional.